CVE-2023-21692 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record pertains to the Microsoft Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP) Remote Code Execution Vulnerability published by Microsoft on February 14, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-21692

This section provides essential insights into the nature of CVE-2023-21692 and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-21692?

CVE-2023-21692 is a critical vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. It specifically targets the Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP) in Microsoft environments.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21692

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as CRITICAL with a base score of 9.8 out of 10. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized execution of code, leading to a compromise of system integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21692

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-21692, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Microsoft's Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol (PEAP) allows remote code execution, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Windows 10 Version 1809
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2022
Windows 10 Version 20H2
Windows 11 version 21H2
Windows 10 Version 21H2
Windows 11 version 22H2
Windows 10 Version 22H2
Windows 10 Version 1507
Windows 10 Version 1607
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation)
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely to execute malicious code on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-21692, immediate steps should be taken, along with the adoption of long-term security practices and patching processes.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security updates provided by Microsoft.
Implement network segmentation and access controls.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
Educate users on security best practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Microsoft and ensure timely deployment to patch the vulnerability and safeguard systems from potential exploits.